Thursday, March 31, 2011

Chevrolet is celebrating its centenary with this striking new all-wheel drive hybrid sports car concept at the Seoul motor show.

The Chevrolet Miray, unveiled by General Motors Korea, is an open-top sports car with heavily sculpted carbonfibre bodywork inspired by some of Chevy’s classic models including 1963’s Monza SS and the Corvair Super Spyder from the previous year.

GM is heavily involved in South Korea and is the third largest manufacturer in the country. It has design, engineering and manufacturing operations in the country and this two-seat concept is a product of these facilities.

The BMW M3 pick-up has been spied at the Nurburgring several times in the past few weeks and BMW has claimed it has been extensively tested and set-up for a familiar M driving experience.

At the front of the car is the same 4.0-litre V8 developing its 414bhp at 8300rpm and 295lb ft at 3900rpm as the rest of the M3 range. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Performance figures haven’t’ been released, but BMW claims the speedometer has displayed 186mph (300km/h) in ‘Ring tests.

Despite substantial modifications at the rear, in particular to the suspension, the M3 pick-ups still weighs in 50kg under the M3 convertible’s 1885kg kerb weight. Wind tunnel tests have also revealed the pick-up to be as slippery as an M3 Coupe.

The M3 pick-up boasts high levels of practicality to match the performance. The maximum load capacity has been raised to 450kg and a trailer tow hitch features on an M3 for the first time. The cargo area is clad in aluminium sheeting and it is capable of storing up to 20 golf bags.

The cabin is similar to that of the standard M3, featuring M-badged sports leather seats, steering wheel and gearlever. There is a special badge to commemorate the project on a carbonfibre strip on the dashboard.

It also comes with a removable targa roof that sheds a further 20kg and lowers the centre of gravity when it is removed.

BMW claims to have gone through all the necessary requirements to make the pick-up legal for road, which has led to it officially being classified as a truck.

But any well-heeled tradesman looking to replace their Toyota Hilux with an M3 pick-up should look at today’s date.

The 'crossover utility vehicle' (CUV) is powered by twin 27kWh lithium-ion batteries located under the boot floor, which drive a 108bhp electric motor with 207lb ft of torque.

According to Kia, it will have a full-charge range of 124 miles and top speed of 93mph. An 80 per cent quick-charge (50KW) takes just 25 minutes, with full charge reached with a more realistic 3.3KW charge in five and a half hours.

Further concept elements include its front and rear dot-style LED lights, high-intensity air jet, which replaces conventional windscreen wipers and small, camera-integrated door mirrors.

Much like the Hyundai's Curb concept from the Detroit motor show, the Naimo features rear-hinged, rear doors and short overhangs to maximise space in the four-seater city car.

On the inside, Korean oak is used for the entire floor and door panels, and Korean paper is used for the concept’s headlining. In contrast, modern interior features include a transparent LED display instrument panel and full connectivity.

Kia design boss Peter Schreyer said: “Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition, but combines this with cutting-edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience.”

The X6 is under attack! In its quest to fill every niche in the premium market, Audi is preparing a coupé-style SUV, likely to be called the Q6 – and our exclusive images show just what to expect.

The newcomer will be gunning for the controversial BMW X6, which has proved a runaway success, selling more than 110,000 units. It will be based on the same platform as the new VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, itself a shortened version of the Audi Q7’s underpinnings. Sacrificing some of that model’s huge load space, the Q6 will compensate with more style.

As our images show, the Q7’s blistered wheelarches and crisp surfacing will be carried over, but the smaller car will sport more steeply raked screens and a plunging roofline. Wraparound tail-lights and a curved boot spoiler create a visual reference to another Audi coupé, the A7.

While the front passengers will enjoy the same space and ambience as those in a Q7, the rear bench will be squeezed down to only two individual seats. Boot space will also be reduced, thanks to the lower and sleeker roof. Engines will include petrol and diesel V6s, while the same supercharged V6-electric motor combination as fitted to the Cayenne and Touareg hybrids is also on the cards.

All models will feature permanent quattro all-wheel drive as well – with the aim of boosting on-road stability more than mud-plugging ability.

There are even whispers of a flagship Q6 arriving later on, with the brand new 4.0-litre V8 turbo which will debut in the Audi S6 and Bentley Continental GT later this year. For proof that the market exists for such a car, just look at the 547bhp BMW X6 M – more than 3,000 have found homes globally since it arrived in 2009.

Due to the success of large cars such as the X6 in the Chinese market, it’s possible that the Q6 will make its world debut in concept form at next month’s Shanghai Motor Show. It should hit dealers late next year. For more details click here.Thanks to: Auto Express

The RS4 is ready to roll! Our spies have caught a development mule for the ultimate A4 during testing in Germany. And despite the S4 badge on its grille it's clear there's more than meets the eye.

Most obvious are the huge 21-inch wheels, destined to be an option on the finished car. Behind those are larger discs designed to cope with this car's extra performance over and above the 328bhp V6-engined S4. The bulging wheelarches have been stretched too, to accomodate a wider front and rear track for improved stability in the bends.

Up front the air intakes have been enlarged to provide additional cooling for the engine - likely to be the same 444bhp 4.2-litre V8 as the RS5, connected to a seven-speed S Tronic twin-clutch gearbox. Performace will be similar too, with a 0-62mph time in around 4.5 seconds and a 155mph limited top speed.

It will offer additional practicality over the RS5 though, with both Saloon and the Avant version shown here, going on sale. Expect to see the car officially unveilied some time later this year - possibly at the Frankfurt show in September.For more details click here.

It’s been a busy couple of days for General Motors with two Chevrolet concepts already revealed. Now, it’s Buick’s turn to tease us with a new SUV concept that will debut in Shanghai.

Developed by Shanghai GM and GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, the Envision concept is designed with China in mind. In fact, GM specifically says the Envision is the product of “global design with local aesthetics for the Chinese market,” so don’t expect to see it in the U.S. After all, China is now the largest auto market in the world (and for Buick), so it’s no surprise this is a China-only vehicle.

It’s more than just a “dynamic, fluid, quiet and comfortable” design, as GM’s press release sums up the essence of Buick. The Envision is also a plug-in hybrid and features “loads of other new technologies” that the company will be showing off. So while the Envision may not be destined for production as-is, elements of its design and technology will likely make their way into future products.

The Buick Envision Concept SUV will make its big debut on April 18, just before the opening of the Shanghai auto show.

Although hybrid and electric vehicles have taken the forefront in the race to build greener cars, Hyundai hasn’t given up on the idea of vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The company unveiled its Blue2 concept (pronounced “Blue-square” )at the Seoul Motor Show to demonstrate its vision for fuel-cell sedans of the future.

As with all fuel-cell cars, hydrogen is passed through a fuel cell stack, which in turn generates electricity to power electric motors, which ultimately propel the car. We’ve been given no stats on the motors themselves, but Hyundai says the fuel cell stack is rated at 90 kW. To optimize performance, the Blue2 has aerodynamic alloy wheels shod in low-rolling-resistance tires to help improve its rolling efficiency.

The body is likewise designed for aerodynamics, although its convoluted shapes — think Fluidic Design but cranked up to 11 — aren’t as pleasing to the eye as they are to the wind tunnel. Gaping air intakes and jagged headlight housings define the awkward nose, while the Blue2’s greenhouse is reminiscent of the new Saab 9-5. LED displays at the front and rear of the car can display “unique and futuristic images,” which will surely prove distracting to rubbernecking drivers.

Futuristic interior features encompass anti-bacterial leather seats, electric-blue accent lighting, and a broad LED screen that spans the instrument cluster and center console. The driver’s door opens automatically to greet the Blue2’s pilot, and traditional mirrors have been replaced by three cameras, which feed video to the dashboard display. The car’s entertainment system is controlled by a controller that Hyundai calls a “Motion Sensor Moustick,” while rear-seat passengers can work or play on tablet computers integrated into the front-seat headrests.

Chevy has announced that it will unveil a show-car version of the next-gen Malibu simultaneously at the Shanghai auto show and on Facebook. Yes, really. The reveal will take place at 8:30 p.m. EDT on April 18th, meaning that in several U.S. time zones, Chevy’s big reveal is at the same time as “American Idol.” Along with the news, Chevy released a teaser photo of the car’s Camaro-inspired taillamps, as well as a teaser video about the design of the new ‘Bu. We’ve taken some screencaps and embedded the video below.

The 2012 Malibu is touted as “all-new,” but as we saw in recent spy photos, should largely resemble the current car. The sedan will ride on an evolution of the Epsilon architecture and feature a redesigned interior. We expect it to offer a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making about 180 hp and a 3.0-liter V-6 good for 260. Fuel economy—already a strong suit for the Malibu at 22 mpg city/33 highway for the four—should improve to keep pace with rivals’, and the Malibu may even get its own version of Buick’s eAssist hybrid system.

We’ll bring you the full details on the 2012 Malibu when it takes the stand at the Shanghai show, and live coverage from its U.S. debut at the New York auto show the next day.

It was inevitable—and reported by us just yesterday—that Porsche would further extend its Panamera range. Just a couple of years after the launch of the Panamera Turbo, Porsche is adding a Turbo S to the lineup by squeezing another 50 hp out of its awesome 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V-8. This model is not exactly a surprise: The Panamera’s V-8 engines are shared with the Cayenne, and the last-generation Cayenne was already offered with a 550-hp variation. (Here's a wild prediction: Porsche will add a new Cayenne Turbo S soon.)

The Panamera is a big and heavy car, but it shines as it thunders down the road at surreal speeds. Modified engine management and improved titanium-aluminum turbochargers enable the aforementioned 550 hp, as well as 553 lb-ft of torque, up from 516 for the regular Turbo. In the chassis’s "Sport" and "Sport Plus" modes, an overboost function increases the twist to a wild 590 lb-ft. The regular Turbo can muster an already-impressive 568 lb-ft under overboost, which is accessed by paying for the Sport Chrono package. This package is standard in the Turbo S.

The added power translates into performance you won't need to complain about: Porsche says 60 mph can be achieved in 3.6 seconds, but we clocked the regular Turbo at 3.3. Figure a tenth or two quicker than that, thanks in large part to the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic, which includes a launch-control function. It is the only available transmission. The company claims a top speed of 190 mph, but based on our testing, the real-world figure will be higher by about 5 mph. If you care, Porsche has no final fuel-economy ratings yet, but it says they will be close to the Turbo’s city/highway figures of 15/23 mpg.

No major changes were made to the chassis, which can be considered supremely competent even among high-performance sedans, but the rear track has been engorged by specific 20-inch Turbo II wheels. Europe gets the option of low-rolling-resistance tires on 19-inch wheels, which increase efficiency—yippee!

The slight performance increase comes at a not-so-slight premium. Porsche is asking for a cool $174,175, as opposed to the $136,275 required for a Panamera Turbo. For that money, you get some of the Turbo’s performance options as standard (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, Sport Chrono, etc.), as well as side skirts out of the "Porsche Exclusive" parts bin and the choice of special color combinations. Agate gray metallic is exclusive to the Panamera Turbo S, and inside there are two color combos—black/cream and agate gray/cream—that you can't get on any other Panamera. We predict these color choices will prove to be especially popular among Turbo S customers, who will be eager to point out to their friends exactly what they got for an extra $38K. (It’s worth mentioning that Porsche also offers a $21,000 Power Pack to upgrade your Panamera Turbo to 540 hp, but it doesn’t include all the S goodies.)

The spacious Porsche hatchback remains the second-fastest sedan in the VW Group—the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed has a top speed of 200 mph—and that’s not likely to change for a while, at least until the Bugatti Galibier comes to market. And, if anything, it will serve as a nice benchmark for Audi and its upcoming RS6. Is anyone else enjoying VW Group’s high-powered supersedan civil war as much as we are?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

It is the variant of three different generations manufactured by Dodge, a division of Chrysler. It was produced in 1970–1974 in several cities in State, which was Hamtramck, Michigan, Los Angeles and California.

It is the newest variant full-scale pickup trucks of F-Series from Ford Motor Company. Therefore, it is the most famous variant of the F-Series. This variant is being manufactured since 2008 up to now. There are several names for this variant, such as in Mexico is called Ford Lobo and for its platinum version is Lincoln Mark LT.

Nissan GTR Vs Corvette ZR1 Last week we told you about the new times more quickly identify the Nurburgring Nissan GTR, with a video that proves that Godzilla 2012 managed to shave 2.48 seconds from his best lap time. We were under the impression that GTR new best time was probably the best Corvette ZR1, but a side-by-side (or rather a top to bottom) video comparison of two runs to give us definitive answers.

Beyond pitting the car jumps the camera ZR1 (top screen) vs 2012 GTR (bottom screen). Pay attention to the five-minute clip of 6:20, as the vehicle to lose is a good result at this stage of the competition. A fun little race, but you have to hit the jump and look to see the same winner.

In November 2009, 23yo Swedish industrial design student Marouane Bembli a study of impressive design for a proposed model for halo feels Audi R8 above. With its clean lines, central cockpit and Rolls-Royce Phantom rivaling the proportions, the R10 was a good thing if the proposal is unlikely that a new Audi supercar generation.

Now, two years older and probably a bit 'wiser, Bembli R10 is again addressed to what I call the R10 v2.0. Although the concept of small roof coupe off the body in a central position V10 remains unchanged, Bembli new-for-2011 R10 features more aggressive front-end treatment with a higher rear-view mirrors and windows of the cabin passengers, and adding fighter to inspire half suction.

The concept of self Aventador Individuals Familiar Feeling fans Lamborghini WITH angles brand that propagate along son body geometric symmetry. Everything from wheels to make contributions at the rear end are all ONE Received improvement in visual beauty Replaces Murciélago this. Like other "in recent Lambo, rear interest perched above the nasty bits Aventador, providing a clear view of the Italian engineering refined interior.

The engine of the Lamborghini interest Aventador aussi not top notch of the Murciélago. The EST Aventador powered by 6.5 liter V12 engine to power the United Nations that increases the UP 691, BUT both fuel more light and more efficient than the engine it replaces. Including this new engine more emphasis on the construction of carbon fiber body of Donne's Aventador blinding speed.

Want Your Own UN? 700-800 Aventadors sera Lamborghini Product Every year, sold to the United Nations $ 370ka piece Estimate. The release of NE sale May Not Come Soon enough, we're pumped to see the latest Lamborghini honing streets.

Porsche Boxter S 2012 Black Edition is a shining example of when the budget is bad ass. The Black Edition Boxster is the entry level Porsche at 911 pitches with an emphasis on performance, a paint job blackout and a host of ancillary improvements. Under the hood, this convertible packs 320 horsepower flat-six engine capable of speeds up to 170 mph, over the departure times of 4.7 seconds to 60 mph.

From tip-to-tip, this special edition Boxter S is covered with all-black-everything. The paint, the rims, the seats and everything in between is given the “murdered out” treatment. On the tech side, the Black Edition offers bright bi-xenon headlamps, Bose surround sound, navigation, automatic climate control and more, if the boost in muscle and the black styling isn’t enough for you. It’ll begin shipping this spring for $65k . As always, Porsche doesn’t pull any punches with the press photos, so scope those below before heading to the Porsche Boxter S Black Edition mini-site.

Aston Martin took the veil of her new Virage Virage Volante and coupe. Sitting between the DBS and DB9, Virage builds on the technology of DBS, and unites with comfort and refinement in the DB9 and Fast.

The soft-top Volante and Virage coupe are both powered by handmade Company 6.0-liter V12 engine. Since the same product poweplant 477HP and 443 lb-ft of the DB9 and 517HP and 420 lb-ft of DBS, it is natural that the V12 would fit in between turns in terms of output delivering 490 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of peak couple. The standard transmission is a six-speed automatic Touchtronic 2 gearbox, helping to provide a time of 0-60 about 4.5 seconds, and plateaued at a peak speed of 186 miles per hour.

The suspension is double-wishbone on all four corners, with Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Sport mode as standard equipment. Wheels are 20-inch alloys, mounted over carbon ceramic disc brakes at all four corners (six-piston calipers up front, four-piston units in the rear), with Pirelli P Zero tires standard.

On the outside, the Virage sports a new aluminium metal front grille with five horizontal vanes that’s inspired by the One-77, along with a redesigned front bumper, a fresh interpretation of Aston’s side strake with six LEDs on the front wings, different side sills and a re-profiled rear bumper. Inside, Aston Martin’s Virage models come with a full leather interior complete with colored piping and several standard features such as cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and a 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II (Bang&Olufsen) and full iPod integration.

In coupe form, the Virage will be available as a 2+2 or a strictly two seater as an option, the latter providing a rear parcel shelf, while also reducing weight. The Aston Martin Virage will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and go on sale shortly after.